Molnar set to become PSC chair

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Public Service Commission's only Republican says he expects to become chairman after two GOP wins in Tuesday's election handed the party a majority on the regulatory board.

Commissioner Brad Molnar tells the Lee Newspapers State Bureau that he never wanted to be chairman, but will take the role as the only experienced Republican on the panel that regulates utilities.

Republicans Bill Gallagher of Helena and Travis Kavulla of Great Falls easily beat Democratic incumbents.

Molnar, from Laurel, will manage a 3-2 majority.

Molnar says the new commission will look at clean-energy mandates and how prices are determined for small wind projects. He says voters want the cheapest power, not a program that pushes for more windmills.

HELENA (AP) — The Public Service Commission's only Republican says he expects to become chairman after two GOP wins in Tuesday's election handed the party a majority on the regulatory board.

Commissioner Brad Molnar tells the Lee Newspapers State Bureau that he never wanted to be chairman, but will take the role as the only experienced Republican on the panel that regulates utilities.

Republicans Bill Gallagher of Helena and Travis Kavulla of Great Falls easily beat Democratic incumbents.

Molnar, from Laurel, will manage a 3-2 majority.

Molnar says the new commission will look at clean-energy mandates and how prices are determined for small wind projects. He says voters want the cheapest power, not a program that pushes for more windmills.